inferior conjunction

American  

[in-feer-ee-er kuhn-juhngk-shuhn] / ɪnˈfɪər i ər kənˈdʒʌŋk ʃən /

noun

Astronomy.

1. the alignment of an inferior planet between the sun and the earth.

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inferior conjunction Scientific  

/ ĭn-fîr′ē-ər /

1. See under conjunction

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Etymology

Origin of inferior conjunction

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

This bright and effervescent neighbor — at -4.2 magnitude, according to the United States Naval Observatory — reaches inferior conjunction on Jan. 8, which means that Venus moves between the sun and Earth.

From Washington Post • Jan. 1, 2022

At superior conjunction it ought, being then farthest away, to show the smallest disc; while at inferior conjunction, being the nearest, it should look much larger.

From Astronomy of To-day A Popular Introduction in Non-Technical Language by Dolmage, Cecil Goodrich Julius

This unusual brightness occurs when Venus is about five weeks before or after her inferior conjunction, and also nearest overhead by being north of the sun.

From Recreations in Astronomy With Directions for Practical Experiments and Telescopic Work by Warren, Henry White

Mercury had passed inferior conjunction; no other Mercutian vehicles had been reported as landing anywhere on the earth.

From The Fire People by Cummings, Ray

The few days near each inferior conjunction are especially to be taken advantage of.

From Side-Lights on Astronomy and Kindred Fields of Popular Science by Newcomb, Simon